THE CORNELL FELINE HEALTH CENTER • CORNELL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

May 2020 - Vol. 24, No. 5

Expert information on medicine, behavior, and health in collaboration with a world leader in veterinary medicine  THIS JUST IN Emerging Zoonotic Disease FFV in Pumas Rising The prevalance of mycobacteriosis is higher than thought The reason is unknown eline mycobacteriosis, specifically those infections involving Mycobacterium species belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex group, is an study in the January 2020 Femerging zoonotic disease (one that can be spread from to humans) that Evolution showed a remarkably is difficult to definitively diagnose. Felineycobacteriosis m includes tuberculosis and Ahigh number of puma infected with mycobacterial infections of wounds. (FFV) in California, “Given its zoonotic potential and recent evidence that suggests that its prevalence Colorado, and Florida. The prevalence in in the domestic feline population is significantly higher than previously thought— pumas exceeds that in domestic . 1% of all biopsies submitted for histologic evaluation have evidence of mycobacterial Feline foamy virus infection is largely infection—improved methods of diagnosing mycobacteriosis in asymptomatic in domestic cats, although cats would be impactful,” says Bruce Kornreich DVM, PhD, many cats with FFV also have feline DACVIM, Director of the Cornell Feline Health Center. immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FFV is A recent study proposes a panel of cytokine/chemokine common in older stray domestic cats. assays that may be useful in discriminating those Mycobacterial According to JAVMA News, “A m o n g infections that have zoonotic potential from those that do domestic cats admitted to shelters not. While further work is needed to validate the diagnostic because of nonowner surrender or that usefulness of this assay, this study lays the groundwork for a were involved in trap-neuter-return potential improvement in our ability to diagnose these diseases.n

programs, the FFV seroprevalence Photo | iStock dimonspace Sci Rep. 2018 Nov 23;8(1):17314. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-35571-5. (percentage of cats testing positive for FFV) was 75.0% in Southern California, 52.4% in Colorado, and 41.9% in Florida. Aftermath for Cats Injured in Wildfires Among pumas, the FFV seroprevalence was 69.1% in Southern California, 77.3% Burns and smoke inhalation raise incidences of heart disease in Colorado, Puma and 83.5% in ats who suffered burns and smoke inhalation in recent California wildfires also Florida.” had a high incidence of heart problems, according to a study from the University The Cof California, Davis. Researchers studied 51 cats referred for treatment after the cause and 2017 Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa and the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise. Echocardiograms the potential found that the cats had a much higher incidence of heart muscle thickening and blood impact of FFV clot formation. infection on More than half of the cats had heart muscle thickening and close to 30 percent had the health of blood clots or were found to be at high risk of developing blood clots. If cats develop both wild and blood clots, they are at high risk of sudden death. Six of the cats in the study died or domestic were euthanized due to cardiac issues, while 82% percent survived. populations are People also experience cardiovascular

Evgeny555 | iStock Photo | iStock Evgeny555 unknown.n changes after burn injuries. With humans, the more severe and extensive INSIDE THIS ISSUE the burn, the higher the risk of cardiovascular changes. In the cats, Two New Flea-Control Drugs...... 2 the incidence of cardiac changes was Phenobarbital Transdermal Application...... 2 higher than that reported in humans and occurred in cats with moderate and Cachexia Worsens the Prognosis...... 2 severe burns. This study highlights the Feline Panleukopenia...... 3 importance of screening cats involved in Watch for Early Constipation Signs...... 4 fires for cardiac disease.n Inconsistent Foils Study...... 5 Sharpe, AN, et al. Cats with thermal burn injuries from California wildfires show echocardiographic Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats ...... 6 evidence of myocardial thickening and intracardiac

Cats in Tight Places...... 7 thrombi. Scientific Reports, 2020; 10 (1) DOI: Anne Photo Belden | iStock Feline Behavioral Drugs...... 8 10.1038/s41598-020-59497-z. Science Daily. The Tubbs fire devastation. Happening Now...... 8  SHORT TAKES Two New Flea-Control Drugs

FDA Approves Credelio and Selarid Godruma Photos | iStock EDITOR IN CHIEF Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, wo flea control products recently received FDA approval Ph.D., Dipl ACVIM for use in cats 8 weeks of age and older. Both require a prescription from your Tveterinarian. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Credelio (lotilaner) is a monthly chewable tablet for the treatment and prevention Cynthia Foley of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis). Selarid (selamectin) is indicated for flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis), prevention of heartworm disease caused by TECHNICAL EDITOR , ear mites (Otodectes cynotis), intestinal hookworm (Ancylostoma Debra M. Eldredge, DVM tubaeforme), and roundworm () infections. n ADVISORY BOARD James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl ACVS, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences

Phenobarbital Transdermal Application Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, This owner-preferred method requires more bloodwork Professor of Oncology

eizure medications tend to be lifelong treatments, but pilling most cats is not a William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, Dipl ACVD, pleasant experience for the cat or the owner. A study published in the Journal Professor Emeritus, Clinical Sciences Sof Feline Medicine and Surgery looked at the transdermal (medication absorbed through the skin) application of the epilepsy medicine phenobarbital as an alternative. Pamela J. Perry, DVM, Ph.D. Nine cats who were receiving phenobarbital for presumptive idiopathic epilepsy Lecturer, Clinical Sciences, ACVB Behavior Resident and had no deleterious effects from that drug were selected for the study. For the first 14 weeks, all the cats received their phenobarbital dosage orally. For weeks 15 CatWatch is an independent through 28, the cats received transdermal phenobarbital (higher concentrations of the newsletter produced in collaboration with the Cornell College of Veterinary medication were used for the transdermal approach). Blood was drawn to verify blood Medicine Feline Health Center serum concentrations at weeks 2, 14, 16, and 28 weeks, and dosages were adjusted. When cats received phenobarbital orally, there was good correlation between the dose and the blood serum concentration. While on the transdermal therapy, however, there were more problems getting the dosage adjusted properly, so more bloodwork was necessary. For information on your cat’s health, visit Still, despite the need for more frequent bloodwork, six of the Cornell University College of Veterinary the nine cat owners preferred the transdermal application. If Medicine, Cornell Feline Health Center considering this approach, it’s important to understand that website at www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/. compounding pharmacies vary in their ability to create consistent Send Ask Elizabeth questions batches of medication, making bloodwork checks important.n and letters to the editor: CatWatch® J Feline Med Surg. 2019 Dec;21(12):1181-1187. doi: 10.1177/1098612X18823577. Epub 535 Connecticut Ave.

Lord_Zigner | iStock Photo | iStock Lord_Zigner 2019 Jan 28. Norwalk, CT 06854-1713 [email protected]

Subscriptions: $39 per year (U.S.) • $49 Cachexia Worsens the Prognosis per year (Canada). For subscription and customer service information, visit Cats with heart failure and cachexia tend to have shorter lives www.catwatchnewsletter.com/cs or write to: CatWatch, P.O. Box 8535, ramatic muscle loss, called “cachexia,” is a syndrome observed in patients Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535. 800-829-8893 suffering from heart failure and other diseases, including kidney failure and cancer. A retrospective study performed at the Cummings School of Veterinary CatWatch® (ISSN: 1095-9092) is D published monthly for $39 per Medicine, Tufts University, evaluated cats with heart failure to see if cachexia was truly year by Belvoir Media Group, LLC, a symptom in cats with heart problems and then looked at things like its prognostic 535 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, value. All the cats in the study were spayed or neutered; average age was 10 years. Of CT 06854-1713. Robert Englander, Chairman and CEO; Timothy H. Cole, the 125 cats evaluated, 107 had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The others had various Executive Vice President, Editorial other forms of cardiomyopathy. Director; Philip L. Penny, Chief Operating Officer; The researchers classified cats as having cachexia if they showed unintended weight Greg King, Executive Vice President, Marketing Director; Ron Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; loss of 5% or more, low body condition scores, low muscle condition scores, and Tom Canfield, Vice President, Circulation. whether they were on a prescription appetite stimulant. ©2020 Belvoir Media Group, LLC. Cats classified as cachectic had a less optimistic prognosis Postmaster: Send address corrections to and shorter survival times, especially if the cachexia was CatWatch, P.O. Box 8535, Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535. determined by muscle conditioning scores. The research Express written permission is required to emphasizes the need to address cachexia in cats suffering reproduce, in any manner, the contents of this n issue, either in full or in part. For more information: from heart failure. Permissions, CatWatch, 535 Connecticut Ave.,

J Vet Intern Med. 2020 Jan;34(1):35-44. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15672 Photo | iStock chuntise Norwalk, Connecticut 06854-1713.

2 CatWatch May 2020  DISEASE

Feline Panleukopenia Canine Parvo Is Similar The feline version of parvovirus This “feline distemper” can spread rapidly (FPV) is similar to the canine version. Currently, the dog virus can infect eline panleukopenia, sometimes up to 12 months of age, especially if they cats (although not common in North referred to as feline distemper or did not acquire maternal antibodies via America) and the feline version can FFPV, is a feline parvovirus. Like colostrum ingestion. infect dogs, but in this case, there is no other parvoviruses, this virus attacks . Large cats, including rapidly dividing cells, such as those in Diagnosis bobcats, lynx, lions, and tigers, and a ’s bone marrow or intestines. Diagnosis is achieved via antigen testing some wildlife species such as raccoons Panleukopenia can wipe out immune- of fecal material. False negative results and mink can be infected with FPV. At system cells, making affected cats more are common with these tests, as virus is this time, FPV has not been shown to susceptible to other infectious diseases. only shed in the stool for a short time. A infect humans. This virus is ubiquitous in the simple complete blood count (CBC) will environment and very resilient, often show very low concentrations of remaining viable for weeks to months. all the blood cells due to bone marrow of age, with booster vaccines at 1 year of FPV is highly infectious and spreads damage. Rapid screening tests for canine age. One study, done by Ron Schultz PhD rapidly through fecal material, urine, and parvovirus may also pick up cases of this while at Cornell, showed that even with nasal discharges. These qualities make feline parvovirus. inactivated vaccine, immunity to FPV catteries and shelters the perfect setting may last seven years or more in some cats. for outbreaks, and susceptible cats and Treatment However, standard recommendations may become infected even after There is no specific therapy for cats suggest a booster every three years out of thorough disinfection of the area. infected with feline panleukopenia. an abundance of caution. Panleukopenia virus enters a Instead, symptomatic and supportive FPV is resistant to many common susceptible cat either by inhalation or care is important. Intravenous fluid for disinfectants, but it can be inactivated orally. The virus starts to replicate in the hydration and electrolyte balance is the by products that contain peracetic acid, tonsils and the tissues of the mouth. Next, most effective treatment. Dehydration formaldehyde, sodium hypochlorite, or it gets into the bloodstream. Clinical can be severe and may be fatal. sodium hydroxide. signs of illness tend to show up three With the intestinal barriers Isolation is important if you have a to five days later, once the virus reaches destroyed, many cats will get bacteria cat with FPV. The virus can be spread via target tissues. Luckily, there is a vaccine. in their bloodstreams (septicemia), so bedding, food and water bowls, and even antibiotics are recommended to fend off via your hands and clothing if you have Symptoms this possibility. Plasma or whole blood handled sick cats. Parasites like fleas can Severe diarrhea is the most obvious transfusions, B vitamin supplementation, also spread the virus within a colony of clinical sign. High fevers and vomiting and parenteral nutrition (nutrition cats. Infected cats who recover should be may precede the diarrhea, along with provided intravenously) may also be thoroughly bathed to help eliminate any anorexia and profound lethargy. Owners helpful in some cases. virus on their fur. may report that their cat sits by the water Feline recombinant interferon omega Always assume that stray cats are but does not drink. Abdominal pain may may be helpful, as can anti-FPV serum, potentially infected with FPV. They be present. but these have not been thoroughly tested should be isolated and vaccinated. Even Kittens infected in utero often develop in cats at this time. Feline recombinant indoor-only cats should be properly cerebellar hypoplasia. They will exhibit interferon omega is not currently FDA- vaccinated. If you foster or volunteer at ataxia (a lack of muscle control and approved for cats, but this type of a shelter, make sure your own cats are coordination) that will not resolve. This treatment has been shown to be effective properly immunized and practice good is generally evident by about three weeks in some cases of canine parvovirus hygiene and isolation procedures.n of age in affected cats. It is important to infection. note, however, that although affected cats will show these signs for life, they Prevention can live happy lives provided that owners FPV vaccine is a take measures to prevent their being core vaccine that is injured by their disability and have them recommended for examined by a veterinarian regularly. all cats. Modified Retinal problems also may be noted. live vaccines Kittens can receive passive immunity should not be in the form of antibodies from their used in pregnant queen’s early mammary secretions queens or on very (colostrum) if the queen has developed young kittens. The an effective immune response to standard vaccine

this virus. Mortality rate is high in protocol is to vvvita Photo | iStock unprotected cats and kittens. The highest vaccinate kittens at Disease can spread quickly among cats, which is why vaccination is so mortality, up to 90%, is seen in kittens 8, 12, and 16 weeks important to their health.

www.catwatchnewsletter.com May 2020 3  HEALTH

the intestines. Some cats may need to be Watch for Early Constipation Signs sedated so that hard fecal material can be manually removed through the rectum. Treatment may prevent potentially serious problems Homework onstipation is a relatively common Once your cat is home, you will need to problem in middle-aged to older maintain your cat’s hydration with clean, Ccats. Male cats tend to be at a slightly fresh water available 24/7 (wash the water higher risk. Causes can be as simple as bowl regularly). Some cats will drink dietary upset or a lack of water or can be more if you leave a faucet on with a slow due to tumors or infection (see sidebar). drip or use a commercial cat fountain. Most normal cats have one to three Canned foods provide more water bowel movements per day. Learn what than dry kibble, so using these can be is normal for your cat. This can be a helpful. If you are feeding kibble, you can challenge in a multi-cat household, but add low sodium broth (no onion or garlic you may find that cats have preferential flavoring, please!), water from canned litterboxes for eliminating, which can tuna, or warm water.

help you with “who did what.” Otherwise, Photo | iStock Aletakae Small amounts of insoluble fiber if you notice there are fewer stools when Some tailless Manx cats may develop fecal also can help. Your veterinarian may you clean litterboxes, you may need incontinence or constipation due to congenital suggest psyllium (Metamucil), plain to separate cats for a day to determine nerve damage to the colon and/or rectum. canned pumpkin, coarse wheat bran, which cat may be ill. or a prescription diet that can aid in If you notice your cat straining in ultrasonography may be used. Urine preventing constipation. Some cats do the litterbox, your first concern should and bloodwork may be evaluated to rule best with high fiber diets (more than be urinary obstruction, which is an out underlying health problems and 20% fiber as fed), which can stimulate immediate veterinary emergency. If you determine if your cat is dehydrated. the colonic smooth muscles to contract. see that there is plenty of wet litter but These can act as “bulk” laxatives. no fecal material, constipation is more Treatment Since being overweight predisposes likely. If your cat goes 48 hours without Mild constipation, if caught early, often cats to constipation, regular exercise and defecating, he needs veterinary attention. can be successfully treated. Treatment weight loss are important for constipated normally starts with hydration, cats that are overweight or obese. Try Understanding Constipation which may include intravenous (IV) to schedule play/exercise time every In a constipated cat, the colon—the fluids. Milder cases may recover with day for your cat (who doesn’t enjoy section of the lower intestine that subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids. playing with their cat?). Work with functions as a reservoir for undigested Oral laxatives, which draw water your veterinarian to develop a healthy food, mucus, bacteria, and dead cells into the colon and soften the stool, can weight-loss program, and consider prior to evacuation—becomes impacted be beneficial in some cats. Others may downloading Purrfect Weight, a feline with feces that will not budge. Stool that need a pediatric or warm-water enema weight-loss iPhone app recently released is retained for too long can become hard to soften the stool so that it can pass. by the Cornell Feline Health Center, if and dry and difficult to move. Sometimes, gentle massage is required you have an iPhone. This can be found A constipated cat will usually strain to stimulate elimination and/or to break in the App Store at https://tinyurl.com/ to defecate and may cry out while trying up firm masses in the abdomen. Care Cornell-Purrfect-Weight. to pass hard stool. Sometimes a cat will must be taken to prevent any tears of If hairballs are the cause of the pass a small amount of liquid stool that gets past the hardened fecal material. Very hard stools with blood are a telltale Common Causes of Constipation sign of constipation. Some cats will start X Pelvic injury X Intestinal and abdominal cancers to avoid the litterbox since they associate it with pain, so watch for straining X Joint pain X Obesity behaviors at any time. Over time, constipated cats may become lethargic, X X depressed, and may vomit. Dietary upset Perineal hernias

Diagnostics X Infection X Intestinal intussusceptions Diagnosing constipation, obstipation X (severe chronic constipation), or Nerve damage X Medications megacolon requires a trip to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian will X Stress X Electrolyte imbalances palpate your cat’s abdomen, attempt a gentle rectal examination, and may take X Hairballs X Dehydration radiographs to see where the blockage is and how severe it is. Abdominal X Indiscriminate eating causing blockage X Decreased colon motility

4 CatWatch May 2020  HEALTH

Ensure Adequate What You Can Do Hydration X Learn your cat’s normal bowel Dehydration can cause hard stools. habits Your cat should always have plenty of fresh, clean water available. If you X Normal feline stools are soft (but have several cats, provide multiple not liquid), brownish, well formed, water bowls so no cat can control and moist on the outside this resource and prevent other cats from drinking. Older cats may need X Keep your cat at a healthy weight

water bowls moved to accommodate Photo | iStock BiancaGrueneberg changes in mobility. Watch for oral Many cats prefer moving water. A dripping X Watch for straining diseases such as ulcers, periodontal faucet may do the trick, but it is often easier disease, or broken teeth that may on your plumbing and water bill to purchase a X Know that vomiting can be a sign of cause drinking water to be painful. commercial water fountain. constipation

X Keep a close watch if you see blockage, groom your cat more permanent loss of intestinal function. diarrhea or small amounts of liquid frequently and discuss the possibility If the condition is chronic, the colon stool in the litterbox of shaving a long-haired cat with your will usually dilate or enlarge, leading veterinarian if she resists grooming. to megacolon and/or secondary nerve X Keep fresh, clean water in easily Lastly, your veterinarian may suggest dysfunction. At this point, the cat usually accessible areas the routine use of medications that becomes unable to evacuate its bowels, increase intestinal motility or laxatives. which can cause bacteria to leak from the X Consider adding wet food to your Follow instructions exactly, and do not bowels to the bloodstream (septicemia), a cat’s diet give one cat’s medication to another cat potentially fatal condition. without veterinary approval. With megacolon, the affected intestinal wall may develop ulcers Post operatively, cats that have such Serious Cases and be inflamed, increasing the risk surgery may suffer from diarrhea for Cats with obstipation or megacolon (a of septicemia and perforation, which up to six weeks. The good news is that very dilated, flaccid colon with poor can be fatal. Surgery to remove the anal tone and reflexes are not commonly motility) usually require more intensive affected section of the colon is usually affected, so long-term incontinence is not therapy. Obstipated cats often have some recommended in extreme cases. common.n

 RESEARCH

Inconsistent Cat Food Foils Study supplementing its diet with wild prey would have variances. As it turns out, that is not the case. Manufactured cat food lacks consistency The carbon and nitrogen isotopes in cat foods varied widely, even between foods that were the same flavor and from the hings don’t always turn out the way you expect. A study same brand. The only clear relationship found was that the that set out to measure how much wildlife domestic cats eat least expensive cat foods had higher carbon values, indicating a Tto supplement the food they are given by their owners was strong presence of corn product in inexpensive cat food.n unsuccessful due to an unexpectedly high variability in cat food McDonald, BW, et ingredients. This accidental discovery suggests that some cat al. High variability food manufacturers regularly change ingredient composition, within foods even within the same flavors. prevents the identification Feral cats are responsible for several native wildlife declines, of native species in pet cats’ diets using like the Key Largo woodrat, but the impact of pet cats on urban isotopic evaluation. PeerJ, 2020; 8: wildlife isn’t well understood. This inspired a collaborative study e8337 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8337 at North Carolina State University to directly measure how A Word to Our Readers: CatWatch Mailing List Policy often pet cats eat outside of their food bowls. A common way to understand the composition of Like many other publishers, we make portions of our customer diets is to collect samples of fur, nails, or blood from an animal list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and analyze its carbon and nitrogen isotopes. All organic and services we believe you may enjoy. Indeed, in all likelihood, materials contain isotopes of elements that get locked into body we were able to first reach you only because another company tissues, following the basic principle that you are what you eat. graciously permitted us access to its customer list. If, when we For this study, researchers collected isotopes from things make our list available, you do not wish to receive these offers a cat might eat, including different brands and flavors of cat and/or information, please let us know by contacting us at: foods. They predicted cats that only ate from their food bowls CatWatch Opt-Out Program, PO Box 5656, Norwalk, CT 06856- 5656. Please include your mailing label. would have an identical isotopic match to the food, while a cat

www.catwatchnewsletter.com May 2020 5 NUTRITION

increases your cat’s water intake. Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats A diet with less than 15% carbohydrates is recommended to help Iodine restriction may help; weight loss is a high priority stabilize the cat’s blood glucose levels around mealtimes, which is beneficial yperthyroidism is a common because hyperthyroid cats can develop condition in older cats. Symptoms diabetes. Again, canned food is usually a Hinclude weight loss, muscle wasting, better fit than dry food. increased appetite, increased thirst Carb percentages aren’t standard on and urination, vomiting, unkempt cat food labels, but they’re easy to figure appearance, and sometimes hyperactivity. out: “Add the percentages listed on the You may feel a lump on your cat’s throat label for protein, fat, fiber, moisture and under his jaw. ash. Ignore the other listed amounts, In 98% of cases, that thyroid-gland as these will be for minerals included enlargement is the result of a non- in the ash percentage or be so small as cancerous tumor called an adenoma. to not affect the calculation. Subtract

(Thyroid carcinoma is found in 2% of Photo | iStock GemaIbarra this number from 100 to get the carb cats. About 70% of cats have both lobes Hyperthyroid cats often lose weight even with percentage on a wet matter basis,” says of the thyroid gland affected.) When an increased appetite. feline-nutrition.org. the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, it Keep in mind that low-carb diets can go into overdrive and produce too even after your cat’s thyroid hormone often contain a high percentage of fat. much thyroxine, which is the hormone levels have normalized, because it can This is great for underweight cats who commonly called T4. Thyroxine is take months to rebuild lost muscle mass. need the extra energy to regain weight, important in metabolism and an The 2014 article “Dietary but it means that you will need to increased production of T4 is what causes Management of Feline Endocrine monitor your cat’s weight as his health the signs of feline hyperthyroidism. Disease,” published in Veterinary stabilizes to make sure he does not Clinics of North America: Small Animal become overweight. Combatting Weight Loss Practice, was co-authored by Mark E. Hyperthyroid cats break down the Peterson, DVM, Dip. ACVIM, director Iodine Restriction protein in their own muscles to fuel of the Animal Endocrine Clinic in Iodine, an essential nutrient that must their bodies’ increased metabolism. Cats New York City and adjunct Professor be supplied in the cat’s diet, is required suffering from hyperthyroidism can of Medicine at the New York State to produce thyroxine; and one treatment become emaciated if not diagnosed and College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell option for feline hyperthyroidism is the treated promptly. University and Cornell graduate Laura restriction of dietary iodine. Tell your veterinarian which food(s) Eirmann, DVM, Dip. ACVN. Hill’s Y/D Prescription Diet is an you are feeding and how much you are In this article, Dr. Peterson and Dr. iodine-restricted diet, and studies feeding so that he or she can ensure that Eirmann recommend that the ideal diet have shown that this diet can help to the diet should help your cat gain weight for a hyperthyroid cat should be relatively maintain normal thyroid hormone levels and muscle mass while medical treatment high in high quality protein and low in in hyperthyroid cats. In some cases, is started. Any dietary changes made at carbohydrates. It also should be low in though, it may not resolve all the clinical this point will likely need to be continued phosphates if the cat has or is at risk for symptoms. Dr. Peterson and Dr. Eirmann kidney disease, which is common in have expressed concern that Y/D diet older cats and is often diagnosed in those (particularly the dry formula) may not Treatments with hyperthyroidism. be nutritionally complete and balanced The Cornell Feline Health Center for long-term use, but it can be a useful highlights several treatment options Protein and Carbs option for owners who do not wish to for hyperthyroid cats: Dr. Peterson and Dr. Eirmann pursue radioactive iodine therapy and recommend that a hyperthyroid cat’s diet for cats that do not tolerate methimazole X Radioactive iodine therapy (the should be 40% protein. This high protein (a drug commonly used to treat feline current gold-standard treatment) concentration is recommended because hyperthyroidism). hyperthyroid cats often suffer from Most importantly, for this diet to be X Methimazole therapy sarcopenia (muscle loss) for two reasons: effective, it must be the only thing that age-related changes and the increased the cat eats. Any treats, table scraps, or X Dietary iodine restriction metabolism caused by hyperthyroidism. food stolen from another pet may result Senior cats also don’t digest protein as in increased dietary intake of iodine, X Surgical removal of the thyroid readily as younger cats, so it is important precluding effectiveness of this treatment gland (not commonly pursued) to provide lots of easily digested protein option. from animal sources. Look for meat or The health effects of an iodine- For more information, go meat byproducts among the top five restricted diet in cats with normal thyroid to https://tinyurl.com/ listed ingredients, and keep in mind that levels have not been determined, so Y/D FelineHealthCenterHyperthyroid canned food generally has higher protein should not be fed to a healthy cat with content than dry food. Canned food also normal thyroid levels.n

6 CatWatch May 2020  BEHAVIOR

clothes recently removed from the dryer. Cats in Tight Places Boxes can be a favorite toy and hiding place for cats. If your cat has a particular How to humor your cat when he decides to hide affinity for boxes, always check to be sure they’re empty before storing or recycling. ats have a talent for disappearing, Cats naturally like to climb for both especially when we need to give a security and a better view, so Christmas Cmedication or take them somewhere. trees are a dream playground (avoid As frustrating as this can be, hiding is a fragile ornaments!). Large indoor basic survival technique. plants also make good hiding spots. We recommend checking that plants Why Cats Hide aren’t poisonous (https://tinyurl.com/ Although domestic cats have been living FelineHealthCenterPoisons) before in harmony with humans for many years, adding any to your house. they still have natural instincts that Attics and basements don’t get much are necessary for survival in the wild. traffic, so they’re quiet. Plus, they often Hunkering down in a small space gives contain lots of boxes and extra furniture your cat shelter from potential predators, among which to hide. allowing him to eat or sleep without “Keeping a closet open with some Photo courtesy Dr. Perry courtesyPhoto Dr. needing to watch his back. Dr. Perry’s cat , Pipper, making himself at home bedding tucked inside may entice a cat “Cats like small spaces because they on a cabinet shelf. to use the space,” says Dr. Perry. “Often are quiet, less chaotic, and away from a cardboard box will suffice for meeting potential external threats,” says Pamela Favorite Spots the cat’s need for hiding. Leaving a cat J. Perry, DVM, PhD, Cornell ACVB Prime hiding spots are small enough for carrier open with bedding inside not only Behavior Resident. “It is also possible a cat to fit into but too small for potential provides a comfortable resting area, but that tight spaces remind a cat of his/her predators. They often have some sort also allows the cat to become comfortable nest (the place where he/she was born). of wall to provide cover and are dark with the carrier,” she says. These small secluded areas help cats feel enough to make it harder for a predator more secure as well as provide them with to see while capitalizing on the cat’s Finding Your Cat warmth and comfort.” excellent night vision. Teach your cat a basic recall by always Pay attention to your cat’s favorite “Cats are ingenious when it comes to calling him for mealtimes, treats, and/or spots and consider the strategic hiding,” says Dr. Perry. “Some common playtime, so he associates your call with advantages of each one. For example, areas include inside closets or cabinets, positive experiences. Then, when you a cat tree provides a great lookout. The under furniture, on top of a bookcase, need to find him quickly, call him the pillow at the head of your bed is both behind the refrigerator, and even inside a same way and he is likely to respond. comfortable and up against a solid box-spring mattress.” If you still can’t find your cat, structure, minimizing the directions from Cats have been found behind pipes systematically search your house. Use which someone can sneak up on him. under the sink. This spot can be extra a flashlight in dark areas. Even if you Cats also hide when they are sick, sneaky, as small cats can tuck themselves don’t notice your cat’s body, his eyes may likely for the sense of security, like us up on top of/behind the bending pipes. reflect the light. And don’t forget to look curling up in a thick, cozy blanket on the Closets add multiple levels of dark, secure up! “If the search is futile, then owners couch. When cats don’t feel great, they hiding places (back corners, shelving). should look inside cupboards, closets, want to alleviate that discomfort. As you Laundry baskets are cozy, confined, drawers, and the washing machine and probably know, cats are stoic, and often and may smell like you or be warm due to dryer,” says Dr. Perry.n the only sign that something is wrong is that the cat is hiding more than usual. Mealtime Security Humans are social eaters, so we tend to line our cats’ food bowls up next to each other in the same room. This works with some cats, but not all. If you have several cats and they don’t always get along, you may notice that the cat lower on the totem pole eats less or tries to angle himself so that he can see if another cat approaches while he eats. Separating the bowls into different rooms and potentially putting them higher up will help cats Perry courtesyPhoto Dr. Photo courtesy Dr. Perry courtesyPhoto Dr. lower in the pecking order to feel A cat’s choice may not look comfortable to Sometimes, you may wish he could answer the more secure while eating. us, but it’s not our choice. Dr. Perry’s Goose question, “How did you manage to DO that?” appears to be pretty pleased with himself.

www.catwatchnewsletter.com May 2020 7  ASK ELIZABETH

for such use, the use of any drugs as Feline Behavioral Drugs psychopharmacologic agents would be, by definition, extra-label use. It’s This class of drugs is in its infancy important to understand that extra- label use may be appropriate (this is not We have 11 special needs cats. uncommon in veterinary medicine), but One has obsessive compulsive also that owners should understand the disorder licking, hypersensitivity, inherent risks in this type of application. Q and aggression. Our veterinarian With respect to the use of venlafaxine prescribed neurotin, Prozac, and in cats, we don’t have much information amitryptiline, but none of these seemed about how it is absorbed or eliminated to work. when orally administered to cats, but a I am a registered nurse and would like published study that reviewed the use of to try Effexor (venlafaxine), but do not this drug to address periuria (urinating know if this will be helpful. This rescue in places other than the litterbox) in 13 cat is blind in one eye, and she attacks cats showed that 11 of them responded FaST_9 | iStock Photo | iStock Photo | iStock Photo | iStock FaST_9 another cat that we have all the time. Cats spend a lot of time grooming, but when favorably, with four of these ultimately Our house is large and we have given licking results in lost hair or sores, it’s no longer relapsing. Side effects reported in this each cat room to get away from each normal and could become a big problem. retrospective study included decreased other. We have tried CBD and calming appetite, increased anxiety, and sedation. pheromones, and these did not work. generally involve small numbers of If you haven’t done so already, Do you have any thoughts about cats, and, in many cases, these effects consultation with a veterinary behaviorist trying this drug? have been investigated with a focus would be a good idea. Board-certified on minimizing stress in the veterinary veterinarian behaviorists are best Thanks for getting in touch, and environment rather than on behaviors equipped to provide recommendation for your wonderful care and such as aggression and obsessive in feline behavior cases. In some cases, concern for these special kitties. disorders. behavioral modification may be sufficient A I’m very sorry to hear that you This does not mean that some of to address feline behavior problems, are having this problem, as I know that these drugs may not ultimately be proven but in some, the combination of addressing these types of behavioral beneficial for the application you are behavioral modification and the use of issues can be challenging. referring to, but rather that in trying to psychopharmacologic drugs is necessary. The first thing to point out is that our determine the risk versus the benefit of I hope that this is helpful. Best of luck, knowledge of the use of drugs to modify using such drugs for these purposes, we and please drop us a line with an update feline behavior (psychopharmacology) still need more information to be sure. when you can. Again, thanks so much is in its infancy. There are, in fact, no Extra-label use of drugs refers to for your obvious love of and concern for FDA-approved behavioral drugs for use the use of drugs in a manner that is not your special kitties. in cats. While some studies describing in accordance with label directions, All my best, the effects of various compounds and since no drugs have been approved Elizabeth (i.e. dexmedetomidine, trazadone, gabapentin, and venlafaxine) on feline  HAPPENING NOW… behavior have been published, these

Elizabeth works New Paws—A female cat in Russia that headquarters, stores the largest collection with the Cornell lost all four of her paws to frostbite can of cat memorabilia in America. Dayton. Feline Health walk, run and even climb stairs again, com says the Alliance, OH, museum is Center to provide according to Live Science. The cat’s paws about an hour from Cleveland. It includes answers on were replaced with four 3D-printed fascinating, rare artifacts, like the cat this page (vet. cornell.edu/fhc/). prosthetics made from titanium. house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Write to her at Wright. catwatcheditor@ Customs No-No—A passenger from cornell.edu or CatWatch Beijing arrived at Dulles International Generous Kid—A 10-year-old boy in 535 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854. Airport with a package with a picture of Bloomsburg, Pa., requested that all his We welcome digital photos of your cat to a dog and cat on it. The passenger said it birthday money go to the local cat cafe, consider for use with your question. was cat food. Savvy U.S. customs agents Cat in Bloom, according to Channel3000. weren’t fooled, opening the com. He raised over $500, package to find illegal dead some of which will help Coming Up … birds, says USAToday. a cat with a broken leg. X How Vaccine Decisions Are Made “When they’re not adopted X Stop Scratching on Everything! Museum Worth Visiting— and they’re still here I want X Help for Kitties with Bad Breath The Feline Historical to make sure they have Museum, located in the a happy time here,” said X The Eyes Have It in Cats Cat Fanciers’ Association’s Photo | iStock munandme young Ivan Troychok.n

8 CatWatch May 2020